Asia · A READING GUIDE

Oman

Jokha Alharthi is an Omani writer and academic. Celestial Bodies became the first novel originally written in Arabic to win the International Booker Prize. Bitter Orange Tree and Silken Gazelles develop Alharthi's explorations of memory and relationships between women. Abdulaziz Al Farsi adds another perspective on the hometown, tradition and social prejudice.

WHERE TO START

Celestial BodiesJokha Alharthi
Earth Weeps, Saturn LaughsAbdulaziz Al Farsi
The Raven of Ruwi and Other Stories from OmanHamoud Saud

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Books to begin with

An editorial selection · not ranked

Jokha Alharthi

Celestial Bodies

About the book

Three sisters and their families reveal a changing Oman, marriage and the legacy of slavery.

Original title: سيدات القمر (Sayyidat al-Qamar)

EnglishTranslation

Celestial Bodies

Catapult

Translated by Marilyn Booth

Edition source ↗

PolishTranslation

Ciała niebieskie

ArtRage · 2024

Translated by Hanna Jankowska

Edition source ↗

Jokha Alharthi

Bitter Orange Tree

About the book

An Omani student in Britain revisits memories of the woman she regarded as her grandmother.

EnglishTranslation

Bitter Orange Tree

Catapult

Edition source ↗

Abdulaziz Al Farsi

Earth Weeps, Saturn Laughs

About the book

Khalid's return to his hometown exposes prejudice and the constraints of its social hierarchy.

EnglishTranslation

Earth Weeps, Saturn Laughs

The American University in Cairo Press

Edition source ↗

Jokha Alharthi

Silken Gazelles

About the book

The separation of two girls raised as sisters reverberates through Ghazaala's adult relationships.

EnglishTranslation

Silken Gazelles

Catapult

Edition source ↗

Hamoud Saud

The Raven of Ruwi and Other Stories from Oman

About the book

Linked stories portray Muscat through memory, daily rituals and fantastic encounters.

EnglishTranslation

The Raven of Ruwi and Other Stories from Oman

Syracuse University Press

Edition source ↗

Jokha Alharthi

The Body in Arabic Love Poetry: The ‘Udhri Tradition

About the book

A literary study by an Omani author examines embodiment in classical Arabic love poetry.

EnglishOriginal

The Body in Arabic Love Poetry: The ‘Udhri Tradition

Edinburgh University Press

Edition source ↗

Context and sources

Sources on authors and their connections to this country. Specific edition details appear beside each book. Polish and English originals are not labelled as translations.